Flushed with success!

This is now possible after eight sets of the borough's pristine public conveniences all won gold in the prestigious national Loo of the Year awards.

And these spotless saviours of penny spenders are not just tucked away toilets used by the few. They are all in very busy areas of the town, offering maximum relief!

Following Southend's right royal flush, all amazing eight gold standard comfort stations will now be judged against Britain's other leading loos at the grand contest finals on Friday 7th December.

The national Loo of the Year competition is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Run by the Britain Toilet Association, this awards scheme was first launched in 1987 to encourage the highest possible standards in all types of 'away from home' or public toilets.

Loo of the Year Award Inspectors made unannounced visits to all this year's competing toilets between May and September.

They judged each one against stringent criteria covering everything from signage to décor, fittings, cleanliness, hygiene equipment, accessibility, air quality, overall management and customer care.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Executive Councillor for Public Protection, Waste and Transport, Councillor Tony Cox said: "It is a tremendous achievement to be awarded gold standard for each of the eight sets of our public conveniences entered in a national competition.

"This is a tribute to the continual hard work of staff from the Council and from our contractor, Cory Environmental.

"It is even more creditable when you consider that these winning toilets are in the busiest locations and were being judged at the height of our summer season too.

"With Southend being such a key hub in the region for business and leisure, it is essential that we do our best to ensure that our residents and visitors feel as comfortable as possible when they are out and about.

"Top class toilets are of the utmost importance."

 Southend's gold standard toilets can be found at:  

• Bell Wharf, Leigh
• London Road, Chalkwell
• Elm Road, Leigh
• Hamlet Court Road Car Park, Westcliff
• Marine Parade, Southend
• Crowstone Shelter, Southend
• Pitman's Close, Southend
• Sutherland Boulevard, Leigh